Editorial
…of suicide and suicide attempts
Dear Editor,
I would be glad, if you could give me a moment to talk about suicide. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the country. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the world.
When a person dies by suicide, the effect is felt by family, friends and the community. Suicide is when people harm themselves with the aim of ending their lives and die in the process.
News of a middle-aged man jumping from the Tamale flyover in an apparent suicide attempt on Monday, August, 29, 2022, gives credence to the need to take mental health and matters of suicide seriously. A similar incident occurred on the Graphic Road in March 2018 when a young man believed to be in his 20s fell from 40 feet to his death from the overpass linking the area to Kaneshie.
Persons of all ages can be at risk of suicide. The main risk factors are; depression, chronic pain, having been released from prison, financial difficulties, relationship troubles among others.
To stop suicide and suicide attempts, there are various steps that can be taken on individual basis and these include promoting socio-emotional life skills in teenagers, restrict access to suicide-related tools like firearms and pesticides.
Jennifer Yayra Opare,
University for Development Studies,
Nyankpala Campus.
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie
